Srinagar, Oct 01 (KNO): The Election Commission of India Tuesday said that the phase-3 polls in Jammu and Kashmir recorded a historic turnout of 68.72 (tentative) per cent.
The figure is highest compared to previous two phases that saw 61. 13 and 57. 31 percent voted in the first and second phases respectively.
Officials in the Election Department told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the three phased Assembly Elections in J&K have concluded today. “Election Commission of India, had issued a formal schedule on 16th August 2024. Poll for 24 Assemblies was held on 18th September, second phase for 26 Assemblies on 25thSeptember and last phase was held today for 40 Assembly Constituencies. Poll percentage in 1st phase was 61.38 %, in 2nd phase it was 57.31 % and in the last third phase poll percentage was 68.72 % (tentative). Overall poll percentage comes to 63.45 % (tentative),” the Officials said.
They said that district wise Voter Turnout for UT of J&K in previous phases suggest that District Kishtwar recorded the highest poll percentage (80.20%) followed by Udhampur (75.87%) then Samba (75.22%) and Reasi (74.68%). “As far as poll percentage in Assembly Constituencies is concerned, highest poll percentage has been recorded in Inderwal (82.16%) followed by Padder- Nagseni (80.67%) and Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Katra (80.45%),” the Officials said.
They said that the polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections concluded today in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. Scenes of voters patiently waiting in lines at polling stations, set against the scenic backdrop of the region, highlighted the people's strong faith in democracy,” an official statement issued by the Election Commission of India, an official statement read. “The festive mood and enthusiastic participation were evident across all districts that went for polls in three-phased elections, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era with people deciding their own future.”
It said that CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have delivered on their promise of ensuring democratic resurgence in Jammu & Kashmir.
Voting across 40 ACs in the third and final phase which commenced at 7 AM today was held peacefully without any incidents of violence. As of 7 PM, a voter turnout of 65.58% was recorded at the polling stations.
The 2024 GELA in J&K has seen a 7% increase in the number of candidates contesting from assembly elections in 2014. “Hearteningly, women candidates made a significant leap, increasing from 28 to 43 in the corresponding period, while independent candidates saw a 26% rise, further contributing to the expanding electoral landscape and grassroot political participation. Post delimitation exercise in J&K, for the first time in history, 9 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in J&K resulting in a more inclusive & participative election,” the statement said. “Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) also demonstrated a remarkable 71% increase in participation from 138 in 2014 to 236 in 2024. For campaigning by various parties, a total of 330 requests were received for pre-certification of campaign content by State MCMC as compared to 27 in 2014 LA elections.”
The statement said that the provisional voter turnout figures of 65.58% as of 7 PM will continue to be updated AC wise on the Voter Turnout App by the ROs, as and when the polling parties formally close the poll and return from the polling stations based on the geographical/logistical conditions and after scrutiny of statutory papers and consideration of repolls, if any.
As per the Assembly constituency wise turnout, Akhnoor (SC): 76.28 %, .Bahu: 57.07 %, .Bandipora: 62.00 %, Bani:71.24 %, Baramulla:47.95 %, Basohli:67.24 %, Billawar: 69.64 %, Bishnah (SC):72.75%, .Chenani:73.79%, Chhamb:77.35%, Gulmarg:64.19%, Gurez (ST):75.89%, Handwara:69.06%, .Hiranagar:71.18%, .Jammu east:60.21%, Jammu north:60.79%, Jammu west:56.31%, .Jasrota:71.79%, Karnah:66.30%, Kathua (SC):71.49%, Kupwara:59.68%, Langate:59.81%, Lolab:61.22%, Marh (SC):76.10%, Nagrota:72.94%, .Pattan:60.87%, .RS Pura - Jammu south:61.65%, Rafiabad:58.39%, .Ramgarh (SC):73.10%, Ramnagar (SC):70.38%, Samba:71.16%, Sonawari:65.56%, Sopore:41.44%, Suchetgarh (SC):68.02%, Trehgam:62.27%, Udhampur east:74.07%, Udhampur west:73.20%, Uri:64.81%, Vijaypur:73.05% and Wagoora-Kreeri:56.43%.
CEC SPEAKS: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Rajiv Kumar said that J&K Assembly elections have marked a significant deepening of democracy which will echo in the pages of history and continue to inspire a democratic spirit of the region for years to come. He dedicated these elections to the people of J&K acknowledging their determination and belief in the democratic process.
“The peaceful and participative elections are historic, wherein democracy is taking root more profoundly than ever before, driven by the will of the people of J&K. The elections were a resounding statement in favour of democracy,” Kumar said.
*Democracy deepened - Increased political Participation*
The ECI statement said that J&K has seen a 7% increase in the number of candidates contesting from assembly elections in 2014. Hearteningly, women candidates made a significant leap, increasing from 28 to 43 in the corresponding period, while independent candidates saw a 26% rise, further contributing to the expanding electoral landscape and grassroot political participation. “Post delimitation exercise in J&K, for the first time in history, 9 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) in J&K resulting in a more inclusive & participative election. Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) also demonstrated a remarkable 71% increase in participation from 138 in 2014 to 236 in 2024,” the statement said, adding that “For campaigning by various parties, a total of 330 requests were received for pre-certification of campaign content by State MCMC as compared to 27 in 2014 LA elections.”
*Embracing democracy over boycott*
These elections have witnessed a significant increase in voter turnout in areas which have been infamous for militancy and boycotting democratic processes. “Polling percentage has increased by 12.97% in Pulwama AC in the Legislative Assembly Elections 2024 compared to the corresponding elections held in 2014. Zainapora AC in Shopian saw a 9.52% increase while Eidgah AC in Srinagar registered a 9.16% increase, reflecting growing confidence in the electoral process. Democracy in remote corners and at the frontiers,” the ECI statement said.
“In the mountainous landscape of J&K, the Commission in its resolve to leave no voter behind setup polling stations (PS) at even the most remote locations. 469 unique polling stations were set up near the Line of Control (LOC) and International Border with 106 PS in phase 2 and 363 PS in phase 3, ensuring voters in remote and sensitive areas could exercise their democratic right,” the ECI statement said—(KNO)